Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Cumberland County, ME, had a population of 303,069. The median age was 41.6 years. Gender distribution was approximately 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the population was 89.6% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 2.8% identifying as two or more races; 2.1% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Elections
Cumberland County, Maine, had 223,434 registered voters as of 2022, predominantly Democrat (about 41%), with Republicans (22%), Greens (4%), and Unenrolled (33%). The county holds local, state, and federal elections, with turnout often exceeding 70% in presidential years. In 2020, Biden won 66% of the county vote. There are over 50 polling locations, managed by the Cumberland County Clerk and municipal clerks. Key issues include housing, climate action, and education. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with active presence from Greens and Libertarians. Early voting and absentee ballots are widely used.
Education, Employment and Housing
Cumberland County, ME, boasts around 35 public high schools and several private institutions. Approximately 44% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s schools, such as Falmouth High, consistently score above state averages, with average test scores often exceeding 80%. Numerous adult education centers offer GED and workforce development programs. School safety is a priority, with most schools reporting incident rates below 2% annually. Diverse educational programs, including AP and STEM courses, are widely available, supporting robust college preparation.
Cumberland County, ME, boasts an employment rate of approximately 65.5%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (10%). Top occupations involve management (11%), sales (10%), and office/administrative support (10%). Roughly 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of about 22 minutes. The majority work within the county, especially in Portland and South Portland, the region’s economic hubs. Remote work accounts for nearly 15% of employment as of 2022.
Cumberland County, ME, boasts a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $430,000 in 2024. Renters pay an average monthly rent of $1,800. The housing market has seen property values rise roughly 7% year-over-year, driven by demand in neighborhoods like Portland’s West End and Falmouth. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to modern condos. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, meaning about $4,730 annually for a median-priced home. The area offers diverse housing options for residents, balancing urban amenities and coastal charm.
County Crime & Safety
Cumberland County, ME, consistently reports lower crime rates than national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.5 per 1,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crimes were reported at 13.2 per 1,000 residents, well below the national rate of 20. Reporting is managed by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and local police. Continued investment in community policing and prevention efforts support the county’s reputation for safety.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- Michael Brown
- David Smith
- Robert Smith
- John Smith
- Elizabeth Smith
- John Murphy
- David Johnson
- Kevin Brown
- Patricia Smith
- Susan Smith
- Kevin Smith
- Michael Johnson
- David Brown
- Richard Smith
- Barbara Smith
- David Jones
- David Wilson
- Robert Johnson
- Christopher Smith
- John Davis
- Robert Brown
- Christopher Brown
- Gary Smith
- John Williams
- Michael Davis
- Nancy Smith
- Richard Brown
- William Brown
- Daniel Smith
- Jennifer Wilson
- Margaret Smith
- Mary Smith
- Jason Brown
- Kevin Clark
- Margaret Brown
- Michael Murphy
- Michael Williams
- David Hall
- Elizabeth Johnson
- James Smith
- Jeffrey Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- John Collins
- John Johnson
- John Rogers
- Linda Johnson
- Robert Moore
- Scott Smith
- Stephen Johnson
- William Smith
- Elizabeth Brown
- James Brown
- Jessica Smith
- John Martin
- Paul Johnson
- Paul Smith
- Peter Smith
- Robert Rice
- Stephanie Brown